World Blood Donor Day 2025 was marked in Suva under the theme “Give blood, give hope: Together we save lives.” The Ministry of Health and Medical Services hosted a thanksgiving dinner at the Suva Yacht Club, celebrating local businesses that supported voluntary blood donation drives throughout the year.
Assistant Minister for Health, Penioni Ravunawa, highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusions. He acknowledged the crucial role that voluntary and unpaid donors play in shaping national health systems and emphasized the need for strong collaboration among health organizations, non-governmental organizations, and community members to expand blood donation initiatives.
Ravunawa’s remarks resonate with the current increase in the demand for blood in Fiji. As reported by Vamarasi Fasala, the national manager of the Fiji National Blood Services, incidents such as motor vehicle accidents and disease outbreaks have contributed to this rising demand. The partnership between the Ministry of Health and organizations like the Fiji Red Cross Society is essential in promoting regular blood donations, which are pivotal for the healthcare system, especially during periods of heightened medical needs.
Recent blood donation campaigns serve as continual reminders of the importance of community participation. Notably, efforts are underway to address critical shortages in essential medical resources in public hospitals, underlining the interconnectedness of blood donation and overall healthcare access.
This year’s observance of World Blood Donor Day reflects a growing commitment within the Fijian community to engage in lifesaving acts through blood donation. As more individuals step forward to donate, there is a hopeful outlook that these efforts will contribute to more resilient and responsive health services in Fiji.
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